As Home Cinema Choice readers may know, Dolby sound technologies are present in a wide range of consumer electronics products, as well as in PCs, video games consoles, and even some in-car entertainment systems. They come in a variety of forms and flavours, each developing different benefits. Use this printable guide to make sure you get the most out of the technologies available.
Dolby TrueHD is Dolby’s next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media. Dolby TrueHD audio is bit-for-bit identical to the highest-resolution studio masters. Dolby TrueHD is a mandatory standard for the HD DVD format and an optional feature for Blu-ray.
Dolby Digital Plus provides the flexibility and efficiency to deliver more channels of compelling surround sound for high-definition video delivery by broadcasters, disc-based media, and online content. Its flexibility means that where bandwidth is not an issue, higher bitrates can be used. It has been selected as mandatory for the HD DVD format and an optional feature for Blu-ray.
Dolby Digital technology is the standard for many major entertainment formats, including DVD Video and selected TV and HDTV broadcasts, delivering cinematic 5.1-channel sound to millions of households worldwide. Dolby Digital is the only audio standard format mandated by the DVD Forum for use on DVD Video discs. Dolby Digital EX decodes Dolby Digital Surround EXTM content to provide an additional back surround channel.
Dolby Pro Logic is found on some older AV receivers. You might find some films or television programmes encoded in Dolby Surround. This format features three front channels and one rear channel for surround sound.
Dolby Pro Logic II, the next step up, transforms any stereo source into a realistic five-channel surround sound listening experience. Dolby Pro Logic II brings new life to playback of CDs, MP3s, and other stereo content, including surround encoded broadcast and VHS content. It is found in a wide variety of home cinema systems and AV receivers. Dolby Pro Logic IIx works in the same way, but creates 6.1- or 7.1-channel surround sound depending on your home speaker configuration.
Dolby Headphone simulates a 5.1-channel surround sound speaker system through stereo headphones. This technology is compatible with any set of headphones. It can be found in select AV receivers, dedicated headphone devices, and game products.
Dolby Virtual Speaker simulates a properly placed 5.1-channel speaker system from just two speakers. It is ideal where a 5.1-channel playback system is not practical. Dolby Virtual Speaker can be found in select AV receivers and, soon, televisions.
This is the predecessor to Dolby Virtual Speaker and is found on many mid- to high-end TVs. It doesn’t contain room-modelling techniques found in Dolby Virtual Speaker, but it still manages to delivers a convincing ‘wider than stereo’ surround effect.
To find out more visit www.dolby.co.uk
